Harley 45 pistons and rings

[echambers]

Hello, I am doing the top end on a 1960 G and I'm looking for .030 over pistons and rings on that note I am finding some different options as far as new style old style piston and ring configurations. Anyone have any experience with this and could recommend an option would be greatly appreciated. Including a picture of the Pistons I have as you can see I have different ring configurations on the front and rear piston which I expect are probably a low ball effort to do a top end sometime in the past. Thank you in advance. IMG_20260617_083443206.jpg Screenshot_20260617-074217.png

[Rubone]

No oil control ring on the rear and only on the front was a standard configuration used on earlier 45 engines. It ended before your bike was built but whoever did the top end configured it likely how they were taught.

[echambers]

That's good information, wonder what the theory was behind that.

[Rubone]

That's good information, wonder what the theory was behind that.

It was all about oiling the cylinders with a combination of crankshaft sling, oil mist, case baffles, and piston rings.

[T. Cotten]

That's good information, wonder what the theory was behind that.

Good question, Ed!

A quick check of Johnny Sells' landmark compendium for '29-'36 45s (http://www.vintagemotorcycleworks.com) makes no mention of such a practice.

....Cotten